r dealing with violent families must be aware that direct questioning will be necessary, rather than simply allowing the family to take its time establishing a therapeutic rapport. Questions must screen for violence risk to intimate partners and children. In addition questions must assess results of abuse and needs for hospitalization or shelter. Less serious complaints such as sleep and appetite disturbances, substance abuse, somatization, sexual dysfunction, work loss, depression, and anxiety must be noted and treated (Eyler & Cohen, 1999). When abuse or the threat of abuse to a minor is present, the practitioner must report this to authorities and efforts to insure child protection must be made (McGoldrick, Nose, and Potenza ).
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